Hospital table



Fell 1942- w. c. POETSCH ET AL 2 HOSPITAL TABLE Filed March 6, 1939 KSheets-Sheet l 52 57 E H 35 D 111 7 g T5 3 0 A 3 26 If BY Z G v 2 ATTORNEY.

Feb. 10, 1942. w. c. POETSCH ET AL HOSPITAL TABLE Filed March 6, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fb. 10, 1942. w. c. POETSCH ET AL HOSPITAL TABLE 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed March 6, 1939 In V67? 1024; Z/Z'ZZZ'QW? 6. 20645% Zia/Z62 Efeasc BY Z 1 2 a 5 ATTORNWEY.

Patented Feb. 10, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE HOSPITAL TABLE William 0. Poetsch and Walter R. Poetscl i,

hicago, 111.

Application March 6, 1939, Serial No. 260,090

12 Claim.

This invention relates to an improved hospital table.

One of the chief objects of this invention is to provide an adjustable table or supporting device which is more particularly adapted for use alongside a hospital bed; and which is of great utility, so that it may serve as a bedside table to support the meal in convenient position for the patient, and is also. well adapted to be used for reading, writing, card-playing, and the like.

Another object of this invention is to provide such a construction comprising an adjustable bedside table which is readily operable and can be easily raised and lowered, also extended laterally over the bed, and likewise tilted into the desired position, wherein each adjustment can b made independently of the other.

Another object is to providemeans which is concealed in the construction and adapted to counter-balance the weight of the table, so that the table can be easily raised and whereby to prevent any sudden dropping of the table.

A further object is to provide table adjusting and retaining means which is readily operable from either side of the table, so that it will be convenient for the patient as well as for the nurse to operate the same in' adjusting the table.

A further object is to make this adjustable table readily reversible, adapting this device for use at either side of the bed.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a hospital table containing supporting means which is adapted to be placed underneath the bed to retain the table safely in position at the bed-side and to prevent tipping of the -table,

and whereby said supporting means can also be I invention.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of this invention in its preferred form of construction, showing the adjustable table'section in its raised, extended, and tilted position.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of this invention, showing it alongside a hospital bed, with the adjustable table section tilted in a direction reverse to that shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the two-way drawer of the stationary table section.

Fig. 4 is mainly a vertical section and partly an elevation of the invention arranged as in Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view, taken on line 5-5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged vertical sectional view, taken on line 66 of Fig. 4 but showing the adjustable table section level'with the stationary one.

Fig. 7 is a partial perspective view of the table supporting stem and the attached spring tape of its counter-balance.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a supporting stem provided with a modified form or counterbalance, including a sash weight. r

Fig. 9 is a vertical sectional view of another modified counter-balancing device for the table, including a torsion spring.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view, taken on line Ill-40 of Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a vertical section, partly broken away, showing a further modified form, including rack and worm gear means, wherebyto raise and also to lower the adjustable table positively.

Fig. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view thereof, taken on line l2--l2 of Fig. 11.

The present invention, as illustrated in the drawings, provides essentially a table or supporting device which is of multiple utility and which is more particularly adapted for use in hospitals to be positioned alongside a hospital bed. It comprises a stationary table section II and an adjustable table section II, which are adapted to be placed together and provide a level. table of substantial size, as best shown in Fig. 6; and this 1 table has supporting means l3 thereunder which is arranged and constructed to fit neatly under a hospital bed It, so as to properly balance the adjustable table section when extended and also to hold the device safely in position by the bed and prevent any tipping thereof.

The form of supporting means l3 illustrated comprises a pair of main or rear legs l5 and a pair of front or short legs l6, which are properly spaced to provide ample support for the table.

This means I3 is preferably arranged in the form I of a cabinet including wall members or side panels ll provided with louvresl8 and having a stationary top l9 thereon, a door 20 being hinged on one side of the cabinet, thus providing a convenient place for housing sickmom articles. Knobsorglides 2| aresecuredtothelowerends of rear legs I3. and one-way casters 22 are secured to the bottoms of front leg l3, thus facilitating moving the table in under the bed or away therefrom laterally, but preventing any accidental displacement or movement thereof longitudinally of the bed due to pressure by the patient against the table.

The rear legs are provided with a rear wall or panel 23 which is preferably integral with the legs and extends from the top to near the bottom thereof; while a panel 24 is mounted removably on the inward sides of these legs, above the top panel is of the cabinet, so as to afford access to a hollow space or chamber 25 thus provided therebetween, wherein several adjusting members are housed and concealed.

The stationary table section I I preferably comprises a top panel or top member 23 mounted upon side walls or sheli means 21 which is secured to the upper part of rear wall 23 and legs It, said panel and shelf means extending away from the cabinet and the bed. This provides a space having a two-way drawer 23 mounted in the upper part, openable in both directions, and an open shelf 23 is provided therebelow. The drawer contains a channel 33 in the upper edge of its side wall, provided with a stop lug 3| therein adapted to slide to either end of the channel and to catch inward or the depending end flange 32 of top panel 23, so as to facilitate extending the drawer fully at each end but to prevent accidental removal of the drawer. A towel rod or rack 33 is preferably also provided on the outer side of top panel 23.

The means for adjustably mounting the table section I2 comprises a tubular member including a horizontal arm 34 which supports said section, and a vertical tubular stem 33 which is slidably mounted in a stationary tube or sleeve 33 positioned intermediate the legs 15. Said stem 35 and tube 36 are angular in cross-section to prevent turning of the stem in the tube. The tube 33 and the panel 24 have each a suitable notch in the upper end to receive arm 34 in its lowered position, as shown in Fig. 6.

The means whereby the stem is held in its .vertically adjusted position in tube 33 comprises a rod 31 having an outer knob 33 thereon and exnotches 42 provided in stem 33, to support the stem and the table l2 at the desired elevation; while a spring 43 on rod 31 urges the latch into its holding position whenever it has been released by pulling knob 33. A yoke 44 has one arm connected to latch 43 and extends around said stem and tube. and from its other arm extends a rod 45 thru the other leg Ii, and contains a knob 48 on the outer end which is adapted to be pressed inward to release the latch 43 from notches 42 in stem 35.

Counter-balancing means is provided for counteracting the weight of the-stem and arm with the table l2 thereon, and to facilitate 1ifting the table and also prevent it from dropping suddenly when the latch 43 is released. This means may be provided in various forms, either of which is mounted and concealed in chamber 25, and as shown in Figs. 4 to 7 it may be in the form of aknown spring sash balance including a casing 48 secured in chambers 25 and containing a metal tape 43 which has its outer end connected to a bracket arm 33 secured to the lower end of stem 33. Bald arm is slidable in a slot 3| in'tube 33, and the device is tensioned as the stem and the table thereon are pressed downward, to counter-balance the weight of the. same.

By this arrangement, the knob 33 can be readily pulled from one side or the table and the.

knob 43 likewise pushed from the other side thereof, to release latch 43 from notches 42, so that the stem 33 and the table l2 can be conveniently lowered by simply pressing slightly on the table, thus adding to the eifect of the weight of the table, so as to easily overcome the resistance of the counter-balancing means. The table can likewise be readily raised by merely lifting or drawing it upwards, while the latch then simply clicks along the notched stem 35.

The adjustable table section or rack l2, in this illustrated form, comprises a top member 32 which is preferably in the form of a metal plate and is provided with a book ledge 33 on its lower edge, being hinged at said edge to a frame 34 which is fixed upon a sleeve or tube 33 that is slidably supported on the arm 34. A spring-actuated catch 83 is provided in the outer end of said arm 34 adapted to catch into the outer one of a pair of notches I! provided near the two ends of said sleeve 35, if said sleeve and table are drawn fully outwards on the arm, whereby to prevent any accidental withdrawal of said sleeve from said arm.

The table is thus readily slidable along the arm, laterally of the bed, into the most suitable position, and by pressing down said catch 56 the sleeve 53 may be withdrawn from arm 34 and reversed with its table, for using the device at the other side of the bed.

For retaining he table in its tilted position a yoke or bent rod 33 has its ends pivotally connected with the nether side of plate 32, and has the intermediate or bight portion engaged in a pair of a series of notches 33 provided on the upper part of frame 34, to place the table section in the desired tilted position. A pair of lugs 33 upon legs Ii hold table section II, while in its lower position, against sliding from top member 23.

This arrangement enables the arm 34 with table section l2 to be readily moved into the desired vertical position, and likewise facilitates' moving said table section lengthwise of arm 34 into the desired position laterally of the bed, and also permits the tablesectiontoberesdilytilted and held at the particular angle desired.

This device may also be provided with a slightly modified form of balancing means, as best shown in Fig. 8, which comprises a sash weight 32 carried on one end or a cord 33 which travels over a pulley 34 rotatable in the chamber, said cord having its other end attached to a bracket arm ll extending from the lower end of stem 35' adapted to travel in slot II in the tube 36' mounted in the chamber 33, as has been explained above; while the arm 34' on the upper end of said stem and the other members assoboth the member and the spring being secured at their upper ends by a pin 68 in said stem 35". A bushing 69 is secured on the lower end of the spring and has a flat slot III in its bottom which receives therein and turns on a flat spirally twisted strip II which extends intothe spring and has its lower end secured by a pin 12 in sleeve 36", whereby the bushing and the lower I 36a and the stem 35a therein with its horizontal arm 340 at the upper end, like in the other forms; but this form comprises rack means 80, preferably a rackbar, secured on the stem 35a and being movable vertically in a slot 8| .in tube 36a. A shaft 82 extends thru legs I51: and thru brackets 83 in said chamber, and contain a 'worm 84 thereon which actuates a worm gear 85 connected by a hub 86 with a gear.8| which is in mesh with said rackbar. A handle 88 is provided on each end of shaft 82' adapted for operating larly provides a bedside table which is especially adapted for use alongside a hospital bed, and its stationary section and adjustable section'together provide a table of substantial size convenient for serving meals thereon to the occupant of the bed; while the adjustable section can be conveniently adjusted into the most desirable position for the patient touse in reading, writing, cardplaying, sewing and the like; and the arrangement of the two-way drawer and the shelf on the stationary table section is very convenient for containing writing material, books and the like for the patients use; and furthermore the form of table supporting means illustrated fits snugly under the bed and retains the table firmly against tipping, and at the same time serves as a cabinet adapted to house sickroom articles. The entire construction thus provides a bedside device of great utility. We claim: 1. A hospital table adapted for use in cooperation with a hospital bed, comprising a stationary table section and an adjustable table section,

supporting means. including means extendible under the bed and also a chamber thereon which carries said stationary section adapted to be placed alongside the bed, a member adjustable in said chamber, means to support the adjustable section on said member adaptedior providing various adjustments over the bed, means for holding the member in position and including means operable from either side of the table for releasing the holding means, and means connected with the adjustable member and tensioned by lowering the same for counter-balancing said member and its table section thereon, whereby to facilitate raising said section and'also to overcome any sudden dropping thereof when the holding means is released.

2. A table device adapted for use alongside a hospital bed, comprising a table and supporting means therefor including a chamber and means extending therefrom and adapted to be positioned underneath the bed arranged to prevent tipping oi the device, a stem vertically adlustable in said chamber and provided with means for holding it in position, means Operable from either side of the table to release the holding means for lowering the stem, an arm on the stem extendible laterally of the bed, means supporting said table on the arm for convenient adjustment longitudin'ally thereon, and means in said chamber 101 counter-balancing the weight of the table, stem and arm, to prevent any sudden dropping thereof when said holding means-is released and to facilitate adjusting the same vertically.

3. A table device adapted for use alongside a hospital bed, comprising a stationary table section and a cooperating adjustable table section which, together provide a convenient bedside table, supporting means for the table including means extendible under the bed andfitting closely thereunder to prevent tipping of the device and also including a chamber arising therefrom which supports the stationarysection and is adapted to be placed alongside the bed, a'stem and means for supporting it in said chamber for vertical adjustment,-an arm on said stem extendible over the bed, means for mounting the adjustable table .section on said arm to provide for convenient adjustment thereon, and counter-balancing means connected with the stem to facflitate moving the adjustable section vertically and prevent any sudden dropping thereof during such vertical adjusting. a

4. A device adapted for use alongside a hospital bed, comprising an adjustable table, means for supporting it and includin means extendible under the bed to fit snugly thereunder and prevent tipping or the device, a chamber connected with the extendible means, a' member and latch means in the chamber whereby said member is held in its vertically adjusted position therein, means operable from either side of the table for releasing the latch means, an arm on said member extendible over the bed, means movable on the arm for adjusting the table laterally of the bed; means for tilting the table on the latter means, and counter-balancing means in the chamber connected to said member to facilitate adjusting the member and table vertically and prevent any sudden dropping thereof when said latch means is released.

5. A device adapted for use in a hospital, comprising a table including a stationary section and a movable section, supporting means therefor including substantially cabinet-shaped means extendible under the bed to fit snugly thereunder and prevent tipping of the device. frame means arising from the cabinetshaped means and carrying the stationary section thereon adapted to be placed at the side ofthe bed, a member and means on said frame means whereby said member is held in its vertically adjusted position, means for releasing the holding means from either side of the table, an arm on the member extendible over the bed, and means mounting the movable section adjustably on the arm.

. 6. A table device adapted for use alongside a hospital bed, comprising a stationary table section and a companion table section which is readily adjustable relative thereto and is adapted to be placed above the bed, supporting means carrylng the stationary section and including means substantially in the form of a cabinet which may extend underneath the bed and fit closely thereunder to prevent tipping of the device and is also adapted for housing articles, and means associated with the supporting means to counteract the weight of the adjustable section and prevent any sudden dropping thereof.

7. A device adapted for use in a hospital, comprising adjustable table means, supporting means therefor including means extendible under the bed and being in the form of a cabinet which prevents tipping of the table, means arising from the cabinet and supporting a drawer thereon, said means having a table top which cooperates with the adjustable table means in a certain position of the latter to form a single table, means adjustable vertically on the supporting means and provided with means extendible laterally over the bed, means cooperating with said vertically adjustable means to counteract the weight of it and the adjustable table mean and prevent sudden dropping thereof, and means on said extending means for supporting the table adjustably thereon.

8. A table device adapted for use alongside a hospital bed, comprising an adjustable table, supporting means therefor including means extendible under the bed and fitting snugly thereunder to prevent tipping of the device, a chamber connected with said extendible means and adapted to be placed alongside the bed, a member and means mounting it vertically in the chamber, holding means to retain the member in vertically adjusted position, means operable from either side of the table for releasing the holding means, an arm on said member extendible over the bed, means on the arm for adjusting the table thereon laterally of the bed, means to prevent accidental withdrawal of said adjusting means but to provide for reversing it on the arm, and counter-balancing means housed in the chamber being connected to said member, to facilitate moving the member and table vertically and to prevent any sudden dropping thereof when the wherein a stationary table section is mounted upon said chamber and cooperates with said adjustable table inits lower position, thus providing a bedside table of substantial size.

10. A table device adapted for use alongside a hospital bed, crmiprising an adjustable table, supporting means therefor including means extendible under the bed and fitting snugly thereunder to prevent tipping of the device, a chamber connected with said extendible means, a vertical tube in the chamber, a stem slidable in the tube and having an integral armthereon extendible over the bed, spring-held latch means to hold the stem in vertically adjusted position in the tube, means manually operable from either side of the table for releasing the latch means, a sleeve slidable longitudinally of the arm and being reversible thereon, catch means to prevent accidental withdrawal of the sleeve from the arm but allow reversing thereof on the arm, means on the sleeve to hold the table adjustably thereon, and counter-balancing means housed in the chamber and connected'to the stem, to facilitate moving the stem and tabl vertically and to prevent any sudden dropping ereof when the latch is released.

11. The sut ect matter set forth inclaim 10, and further comprising a cabinet at the upper end of said chamber and extendible outward from the bed, providing a stationary table on its top to cooperate with the adjustable table in its lowered position to form a single table, and having a two-way drawer thereunder.

12. A bedside table device comprising adjustable table means. supporting meanstherefor including a part extendible alongside a bed, a member supported on said part and provided with an arm extendible over the bed, means slidable longitudinally of the arm and carrying the table means thereon, and automatically operating spring-catch means mounted in and concealed by said arm and slidable means for preventing accidental withdrawal of said slidable means from the arm, but being releasable to'facilitate re-- moval and reversal of the slidable means and table means on the arm. thereby adapting this table device for use at either side of the bed.

Y WILLIAM C. POETSCH.

WALTER R. POETSCH. 

